I've been in treatment for 2 1/2 years and really juggling abx to find ones that are tolerable and effective for my over-sensitized body.
I went to a gastro-doc today -- a well-meaning, Lyme-tolerant sort recommended by my LLMD. [The poor guy just got a bullseye rash two weeks ago and is taking Doxy.]
I've had GERD issues and went for a "check-up." I mentioned that my liver enzymes had spiked a month ago after one year on AMox, but that they were back down. I'm starting up on the Amox again.
He scared me when he said, "I know the alternative of not taking abx is bad since you have Lyme, but you know your body is not meant to be on them for years... these abx are highly dangerous. Your liver was signalling something to you and I'm not comfortable with that."
I said that there wasn't much of a choice around the situation.
So here I am after 2 1/2 years, further than I was but still very Lymie and struggling with abx. I have a feeling I'm in this for a longer haul...
So, how long have you all been treating?
Best to everyone,
wiserforit
Posts: 508 | From Banks of the Hudson | Registered: Jul 2006
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Melanie Reber
Frequent Contributor (5K+ posts)
Member # 3707
posted
Are you treating for Bart?
Posts: 7052 | From Colorado | Registered: Mar 2003
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posted
You should look into supplements to protect your liver. Milk thistle is one I know of.
Posts: 129 | From Virginia | Registered: Feb 2008
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One to let your body heal, two to allow the Lyme to come back then hit it again really hard with abx-shock treatment and third- sometimes people feel OK after stopping abx.
You can always start again. Also make sure you are targeting the right disease- lyme or co-infections.
-------------------- Positive 10 bands WB IGG & IGM + Babesia + Bartonolla and NOW RMSF 3/5/09 all at Quest
I have been preluding my way towards bart treatment. Tried Biaxin to couple potentially with Rifampin.
Biaxin made me itch all over and get violently depressed; LLMD didn't start me on Rifampin.
I can drink Milk Thistle Tea, but the supplements made me crazy with rapid heartbeat and agitation.
Can a person just take Rifampin alone or do you have to have another abx?
I'm on Amox and will be starting low doses of Malerone. Doing bloodwork every week to monitor liver enzymes.
BUT... how long have you both been treating?
Best,
wiserforit
Posts: 508 | From Banks of the Hudson | Registered: Jul 2006
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Hoosiers51
Frequent Contributor (1K+ posts)
Member # 15759
posted
I have been on antibiotics for long stretches....probably the longest without a break would be about 3 years. I have been on high doses and never seen problems with my liver enzymes.
I try not to come into contact with more toxins than I have to (eat pretty clean, etc), but other than that, maybe I'm just not as sensitive as others. Wish I could give you advice! Good luck.
Posts: 4590 | From Midwest | Registered: Jun 2008
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Tracy9
Frequent Contributor (1K+ posts)
Member # 7521
posted
Four years now, and I take a TON of supplements. Hopefully they are helping.
13 years Lyme & Co.; Small Fiber Neuropathy; Myasthenia Gravis, Adrenal Insufficiency. On chemo for 2 1/2 years as experimental treatment for MG. Posts: 4480 | From Northeastern Connecticut | Registered: Jun 2005
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groovy2
Frequent Contributor (1K+ posts)
Member # 6304
posted
Hi Wise-
I have been on treatment for 3 yrs-
My liver tests come back clean- When I was taking Heavy doses of ABX I drank 3 to 5 gallons of warm tea everyday I am sure this is why my liver is in good shape-
-Jay-
Posts: 2999 | From Austin tx USA | Registered: Oct 2004
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Melanie Reber
Frequent Contributor (5K+ posts)
Member # 3707
posted
Off and on for over 5 years now.
I asked about Bart treatment, because GERD is sort of a red flag symptom. But, if you are harboring LD, Bart and Babs, it may be best to go after the Babs first.
Perhaps, once that is conquered, you may have less sensitivity to the Bart meds? I did not treat with Rifampin, so can't answer that question for certain, however, I do know that some use Zith with it. I used primarily Levaquin, Mino and Septra for Bart.
BTW, Amoxy was really not helpful for me at all. If you have been on it continuously for a year, you may consider switching to something new.
posted
My daughter is the lyme patient and we have treated for about 6 years. She was just starting to see alot of improvement when a doctor gave her steroids without us knowing and she spiraled out of control. She is just now starting to show some improvement again--3years after steroids.
She has had problems with liver off and on. The best antibiotic for her has been bicillin injections and I don't think they impact the liver, but I'm not totally sure about that.
She is just about to finish the homeopathic bart treatment Bejoy recommended for bart and it has been wonderful. I highly recommend it. She has herxed, but in comparison to other treatments, it has been very mild and alot safer.
We may do another round of the bart remedy or try another remedy by the same company--Deseret Biologicals.
This is just my opinion for what it is worth.
Posts: 177 | From God's Grace | Registered: Apr 2007
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